GOOD TEMPLARS’ CONCERT.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 416, 4 October 1876, Page 2

GOOD TEMPLARS’ CONCERT.

The new Temperance Hall, at Ormond, was filled to overflowing on Friday evenlast in honor of the first entertainment given within its walls. There were nearly 300 persons present, including a large number from Gisborne, all of whom were highly delighted at the success of their joint endeavor. The Temperance Hall, as it is to be called, is built on the town side of Mr Villers’ public hall, w'hich is but a short distance from the Chandos Hotel, in the low-lying part of the township of Ormond. The building stands on lofty piles—as a security against any future floods that may take place there—and besides the main hall, there are ante-rooms for the use of members on Lodge nights, and sleeping apartments for the occupation of visitors and others who do not desire to stay at a public house. On the occasion in question, all these were placed at the disposal of the audience, in one way or another during the night, so that, considering the building is not yet completed there was little lack of accommodation, and (he whole arrangements reflect great credit on those who had the management of the affair. After tea, -w'hich was bountifully supplied, and well patronised, the hall was arranged for THE CONCERT, Prior to which, Captain Gudgeon, who occupied the Chair, made a few remarks, and introduced The Rev. Mr Root who gave an impressive address on the merits of Good Templarism generally, and those of the Ruby Lodge in particular. The rev. gentleman traced the particularsof theorigin and rise of the Order in Poverty Bay, and after quoting copiously from figures, and the data of other places as to the evils the curse of intemperance brings in its train, he concluded by expressing a hope that the institution of Good Templary, which had been so successfully planted in our midst, would continue to flourish. Singing, readings, and recitations, then followed each other in quick succession, all of which gave immense satisfaction, and caused much merriment. Mr Bach opened w'ith “ Kiss me quick and go,” followed by Mr Perston’s “ Mother kissed me in my dream,” both nicely rendered. MrQuigley’s recitation “Knolo Kosmo” was very well emphasised, and Mrs Rigg’s song “Won't you tell me why Robin,” showed the lady to possess a voice of delicate construction, but much sweetness of tone Mr Rigg recited “ Look at the Clock ” in a humorous way, and Miss Powell made ample amends for running away with “ Maggie’s Secret,” by singing “The Memory of the Flowers," with much sweetness and expression. Mr Siddons’ familiar recitation “ Charge of the Highland Brigade ” lost none of its fire and pathos in bis hands. Mrs Shirley then sang “ Give me the wings of Faith to rise,” w'hich was chorused with good effect. “ Dobbs’ visit to Paris ” and “ Courting in the rain ” were the two character songs selected by Mr Ratcliffe, and being well sustained were highly applauded. A sweet little song “Little Footsteps ” was next given by Mr Turnbull very pathetically, and Mr Best’s reading made way for Mr and Mrs Berry who volunteered two of their domestic and truly exhilirating duets in capital style which were greeted with thunders of applause. Mr Dufaur’s song “The Muleteer” and Mr Bach’s variations on the bellows, w'hich was a piece of comical labial manipulation, and caused much fun, brought the first part of the entertainment to a close. The farce of THE IRISH TUTOR w’as then played in a truly humorous way. Mr F. H. Clements took the leading characters “Terry O’Rourke ” and “Dr O’Toole ” with his usual drollery; Mr Paviour looked and personated Dr Flail with success, while Mr Lawson as “ Mr Tilwell ” Mr Jefferies as “ Charles,” and Mr Brunt as “John’’acted their parts very creditably. Mrs Bach presided at the piano during the evening with her usual ability. THE DANCE Commenced about 11 o’clock, and was kept up with vigor until after 4 o’clock next morning, a sufficient guarantee that all were enjoying themselves.